Gamecocks Get Familiar Foe: Kentucky Battles Back for SEC Tournament Showdown With No. 1 South Carolina
The path toward another conference title is officially set for South Carolina women’s basketball, and the Gamecocks now know exactly who stands in their way.
Top-seeded South Carolina will face No. 9 seed Kentucky in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday at noon in Greenville. While the matchup may look straightforward on paper, the recent history between the two teams suggests the Gamecocks could be in for another competitive battle.
Game Details
Who: No. 1 seed South Carolina vs No. 9 seed Kentucky (23–9)
When: Friday, March 6 — Noon
Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC
TV: ESPN (Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Holly Rowe)
Stream: ESPN.com or the ESPN App
Radio: 107.5 FM, SiriusXM Channel 106 or 190 (Brad Muller)
How Kentucky Reached the Quarterfinals
Kentucky enters the matchup battle-tested after playing two games in as many days. The Wildcats finished the regular season 21–9 overall and 8–8 in SEC play, earning the No. 9 seed in the conference tournament.
They opened tournament play with a dominant 94–64 win over No. 16 Arkansas on Wednesday. Kentucky followed that performance with another strong showing Thursday, defeating Georgia 76–61 to advance to the quarterfinals.
The back-to-back victories give Kentucky momentum heading into the matchup with a South Carolina team that has been resting thanks to its double bye.
South Carolina’s Position of Strength
South Carolina secured the No. 1 seed and a double bye after winning its fifth consecutive SEC regular season championship, continuing the program’s dominance in the conference.
The Gamecocks have had several days to prepare while watching the bracket unfold — and they now face a Kentucky team they just played less than a week ago.
That familiarity could make Friday’s contest particularly intriguing.
Key Players to Watch for Kentucky
The Wildcats feature a balanced core led by several All-SEC performers.
Scoring leaders
- Clara Strack — 16.7 points per game
- Tonie Morgan — 13.9 points per game
- Teonni Key — 11 points per game
Rebounding leaders
- Strack — 10.3 rebounds per game
- Key — 7.0 rebounds per game
- Jordan Obi — 6.3 rebounds per game
Assist leaders
- Morgan — 8.2 assists per game
- Asia Boone — 2.2 assists per game
- Strack — 1.9 assists per game
Strack, last season’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year, earned All-SEC First Team and All-Defensive Team honors, while Morgan was selected to the All-SEC Second Team.
What Happened the Last Time They Met
These two teams are already fresh in each other’s minds after facing off in Lexington less than a week ago.
South Carolina escaped with a 60–56 victory, though the game was far tighter than many expected. A late Kentucky surge, paired with a cold stretch from the Gamecocks, made the fourth quarter tense.
The 60 points scored by South Carolina marked its lowest offensive output of the season, a sign that Kentucky’s defensive approach can create problems.
Madina Okot powered the Gamecocks with 21 points and 13 rebounds, dominating stretches in the paint while battling Kentucky star Clara Strack.
Strack answered with 24 points and nine rebounds, showcasing why she remains one of the SEC’s most impactful post players.
What to Expect Friday
The matchup could hinge on tempo and physicality in the frontcourt. Kentucky has already played twice in the tournament, which could mean fatigue — but it also means the Wildcats arrive with rhythm and confidence.
South Carolina, meanwhile, enters fresh and motivated as it begins another run at an SEC Tournament title.
If the previous meeting was any indication, the Gamecocks may have the edge — but Kentucky has already shown it can push them to the brink.
